Want to know more about the causes of brain fog?
Brain fog is a common symptom of many health conditions, from hypothyroidism to menopause. But what causes brain fog and how can you prevent it?
Many people donโt realize that their symptoms are the result of low thyroid function or other underlying health issues. While some symptoms may seem mild, they can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated.
But don’t worry. Keep reading because in this article we will discuss 10 major factors that contribute to this condition.
What Is Brain Fog?
Brain fog is commonly defined as a term that refers to feelings of mental fog, lack of energy, and other related symptoms. It’s usually used in reference to someone who has an underlying medical condition that results in brain fog.
What Causes Brain Fog?
There are a number of potential causes for brain fog. Some of the most common include:
1. Dehydration
If we’re not drinking enough water, our brains will start to feel the effects. “When you don’t drink enough fluids, your blood thickens and your heart has to work harder to pump oxygenated blood throughout your body.” This can lead to headaches, fatigue, and brain fog. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water every day!
2. Poor Diet
Eating unhealthy foods can definitely have an impact on our mental clarity. Junk food and processed foods contain chemicals that can affect our brains and lead to brain fog. Try to eat a balanced, healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
3. Lack of Sleep
It’s no secret that getting enough sleep is essential for good health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to all sorts of problems, including brain fog. Make sure you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night.
4. Anxiety or Stress
Anxiety and stress can definitely cause problems with mental clarity. When we’re feeling anxious or stressed, it’s difficult to focus on anything else. Find ways to manage your anxiety and stress, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
You can try and combat your stress by taking a break from electronics and social media, especially in the evening. Also, make sure you are getting enough sleep every night, which is something we talked about in the previous step.
5. Medications
Certain medications can cause brain fog as a side effect. If you’re taking any medications and are experiencing brain fog, talk to your doctor about whether there might be a different medication that would work better for you.
6. Mercury Poisoning
“Mercury is a neurotoxin that can cause inflammation and damage to the brain. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include memory problems, mood swings, headaches, and brain fog.” ( source ) If you think you may have been exposed to mercury, please see a doctor immediately.
7. Alcohol or Drug Use
Excessive alcohol or drug use can definitely lead to brain fog. It’s important to be mindful of how much we’re drinking and using drugs, especially if we’re trying to improve our mental clarity.
8. Low Vitamin B12 or Folate Levels
“Low levels of vitamin B12 and folate can contribute to brain fog. Studies show that around 70 percent of people with chronic fatigue syndrome also have low vitamin B12 levels.” ( source ) Make sure you’re getting enough vitamins in your diet; some great sources are avocados, nuts, beans, fruit, dark leafy greens, and tomatoes!
9. Thyroid Problems (Hypothyroidism)
Thyroid problems can cause some mental clarity issues like brain fog. If you think you might have a thyroid problem, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. The most common side effects of hypothyroidism are weight gain, dry skin, brain fog, fatigue, constipation, depression, muscle aches/joint pain.
10. Anemia (Low blood count)
If you have low iron or low hemoglobin levels in the blood it can cause anemia which may also cause mental fogginess and lethargy. People with anemia might not think clearly because of a lack of oxygen to the brain. Get your blood checked by a medical professional to see if you are anemic or have another condition causing your issues.
Brain Fog Treatment
There are a few things you can do to help get rid of brain fog. Here are some ways of treating brain fog:
1. Drink Plenty of Water
As we mentioned earlier, dehydration can lead to brain fog. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water every day to keep your brain functioning at its best.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is essential for good mental health. Eating unhealthy foods can lead to chemicals that affect our brains and cause brain fog. Try to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for good mental health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to problems like brain fog. Make sure you’re getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night, and try to go to bed at around the same time every night.
4. Take a Break from Electronics & Social Media
Many studies have shown that being on our phones or computers excessively can cause problems with mental health, especially when it comes to brain fog. Try taking regular breaks from electronics during the day to give your brain some rest.
5. Exercise Every Day
Exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do for good mental health! When we exercise, our brains become sharper and more focused because of chemicals called endorphins which are released by our bodies when we sweat. Make sure you’re exercising daily for good brain function!
Also, vitamins are great for helping with brain fog. You can learn all about the best vitamins for brain fog here.
Want to Learn More About the Causes of Brain Fog?
As you can see, there are many different causes of brain fog. If you’re experiencing this problem, it’s important to figure out the root cause so that you can get the appropriate treatment. Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure what’s causing your brain fog. There is help available and you don’t have to suffer in silence!
If you want more help understanding what is brain fog like, and the signs of brain fog, please check out our blog!
